2015 model features a number of segment firsts

By Graeme Fletcher

Originally published: January 12, 2014

SMALL

MEDIUM

LARGE

GMC’s new mid-sized pickup, the Canyon, is a good-looking truck that has bold fenders and more road presence than its competitors — the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. The 2015 model features GMC’s familiar electric razor-like grille, but it’s now flanked by headlights that have LED light tubes above and below.

The Canyon will be available in Extended Cab and Crew Cab models, both of which ride on an all-new fully boxed, high-strength steel frame. The former is offered with a 6-foot-2 box, while the Crew Cab is offered with both 6-foot-2 and 5-foot-6 boxes. Then there are the jacked-up 4×4 versions of both models. Regardless of style, all ride on the usual (and rather trucky) rear leaf springs, but earn double wishbones up front. There are three wheel sizes — 16-, 17- and 18-inchers.

The new Canyon arrives with a number of segment firsts: Steps engineered into the corners of the bumper, projector headlights, available Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision systems, an eight-inch touch-sensitive centre stack-mounted screen, a two-speed transfer case with high/low ranges for the 4×4 models and an auto-locking rear differential. Six air bags and a rearview camera come standard across the board. The latter is a move to be applauded.

The 2015 GMC Canyon.Alexandra Straub, Driving

Initially, the Canyon will be offered with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a strong 3.6L V6 that produces 302 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The base rear-drive four-cylinder model will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox; all other models earn a six-speed automatic.

The 2015 GMC Canyon.Alexandra Straub, Driving

The intriguing option arrives in 2016 — a 2.8L, four-cylinder turbodiesel. It promises to be the best engine choice. As employed in Europe, it produces 190 hp and, are you ready for this, 369 lb.-ft. of torque! It also promises stellar fuel efficiency.

The 2015 GMC Canyon.Alexandra Straub, Driving

Inside, the Canyon adopts a very upscale air. The show models were, well, fully duded out — leather seating, soft-touch materials and some very nice accents. It means the days of the workhorse with synthetic seats and rubber mats have gone forever. In all cases, the front seats were sculpted and comfortable, the dash and centre console are attractive and logically laid out, and the fit and finish is befitting an upscale car never mind a truck.

The 2015 GMC Canyon.Alexandra Straub, Driving

The rear seating is par for a mid-sized pickup — the Extended Cab has a token rear seat that is better suited to carrying stuff rather than people; the Crew Cab proved to be surprisingly roomy given the Canyon’s mid-sized dimensions. When launched later this year, the Canyon will be offered with more than 50 accessories including a selection of box liners and bed dividers.